Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates set off shock waves in Washington
Gates' comments come in his memoir "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War,"
In the book, Gates writes, "[Obama] eventually lost faith in the troop increase he ordered in Afghanistan, his doubts fed by top White House civilian advisers opposed to the strategy, who continually brought him negative news reports suggesting it was failing." Do you feel that this is the right time to do a book like this? And would this be considered toxic leadership?
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I will reserve judgment until completing the book with regard to its impact and timing; however, I would offer that to report a candid observation about a troubling situation, and to also disagree with one's boss is far from toxic leadership. If anything it demonstrates leadership at one of its finest opportunities. In an era noted for its nattering yes men, moral weakness, and political pandering, speaking the truth for what it is, is often seen by those plagued by petty insecurities and terrified of losing their particular political standing as toxic or disloyal; but nothing is further from the truth.
The most successful and most morally sound leaders, those most secure in themselves and their courses of action, always seek people who are courageous enough to speak in dissent or opposition to their ideas when necessary. Leadership does not encourage group think or harbor ill against those in their mist that respectfully disagree based on sound arguments rooted firmly in solid information. The best leaders seek opinions which differ from their own to ensure the best possible solutions.
This uproar over "disloyalty" by people who express an opinion differing from the party line is only the most recent example of the powers that be getting their undies in a twist because somebody disagreed with them based on merit. Most frequently the people screaming the loudest, longest, and with the most indignation are those who know that they don't have a leg on which to stand should anybody closely inspect their situation.
Great question, I just finished reading the article on CNN. I will defer any comment on the specifics of the book, until after I read it (since it is released next week). However, your question leads me to a different series of questions- which are all about when it is appropriate to question. The articles about former Secretary Gates' book all reference "disloyalty"- now I cannot say one way or another- but is it disloyal to disagree with your commander? I know I have before and yet I have executed orders that I disagreed with, but was honor bound to follow through. The article indicate that he is a historian by nature, as are many of us in the service. We read books by Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, and watch documentaries like "Restrepo" so that we can try and understand war and tactics to become more skilled at our chosen profession. By our very nature, we should question, analyze and review- which I would like to believe is what former Secretary Gates has done. He has taken those experiences of being the Secretary of Defense during war and under two Presidents and has relayed those experiences and what he took away from it. The true test/question as to how thorough it is, will be if provides any insight on his own performance during his tenure. Personally, I hope it is insightful and thought provoking in order to allow the future leaders of the military to glean lessons learned and different perspectives prior to engaging in any future conflicts. Thanks!
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